Grab Fido's Leash and Head Outside

Dogs on BeachIs Wilmington NC a dog friendly city?  That's a question some will debate, but personally my old Hudson Valley NY hometown didn't have dog parks or beaches or anyplace for the pets to play so I feel Wilmington is a dog friendly city.  Sure, maybe we need more parks or restaurants they are allowed but for a small city I think we have some nice options.

So why aren't the dogs allowed on the beach during the summer?  To protect the sea turtle nests, dogs are not allowed on the beach from April 1 to September 1.  Now that the summer season is over and our beaches are open again to our four legged fur babies you might consider bringing them for a stroll on the beach this weekend. 

The great thing about Wilmington is that the beach isn't their only option.  With the cooler temperatures here, it's also a perfect time to take your dog for a long walk, or better yet take them for a play date at a dog friendly park.  If you haven't had a chance yet to explore our dog parks then you and your pup are missing out.

Dog Tired?

Dog at WorkYou've been at work all day.  Your desk is piled high with things to do.  Oh and remember your spouse called and said don't forget to stop at the store and pick up a bag of dog food on your way home.  After a long day at work, you might not be thinking of heading to a dog park.

Getting outside and going for a walk is good for you and your dog.  After a tough day at work there's nothing better than walking that stress off.  Plus you'll burn some calories which is always a plus.

Benefits of Time Off

Have you ever noticed that when you are struggling with figuring something out or if you had a bad day that stepping away from it all and doing something else for a little while helps clear your mind and refocus?  Dogs are great for that fun distraction.  You get home from a long day and they come to you all excited like you are the best part of their day.  Well, you are the best part of their day.

A Nap is Really What You Prefer

When you get home from work, don't stop for a break on the couch or lie down for a second because you know what will happen .....

 Dave Sleeping

Where are the Dog Parks in Wilmington?

There are 4 great dog parks in Wilmington that have fenced play areas for the dogs to play off leash.

Bull DogOgden Dog Park

Ogden Dog Park is at 615 Ogden Park Drive, Wilmington, NC 28411. It has 2 fenced areas that separate Big Dogs from Small Dogs.  My 15 pound dog thinks he's a big dog and prefers to play with big dogs but when we go to the dog parks we play it safe by avoiding the big dog area.  Ogden Park has some shade and fresh water so you can consider this park as an option to bring them in the summer.  The biggest disadvantage to this park, in my opinion, is that it is all sand.  I have long hair dogs so they come home with sand tucked in all over their little bodies.  Also some have said their dogs have gotten sandspurs in their paws.  My dogs love this park and haven't had any issues.  There are benches here so you can sit while your dogs run around off leash.

Long Leaf Park

This is my favorite dog park.  Long Leaf Park (previously known as Hugh McRae Park) is easily accessible from College Road near Oleander Dr.  This park has lots of shade and natural pine straw throughout the play areas.  Just like the Ogden Dog Park, there are 2 separate fenced areas for Large Dogs and Small Dogs plus there's fresh water.  There are picnic tables inside the fenced area for you to sit on while your dog walks unleashed but the park prefers you don't bring food inside the fenced dog park.  Obviously food plus dogs could break out into a fight so it's best to follow the rules and don't bring anything.

Dog ExcitedWilmington Dog Park at Empie

Located on over 2 ares on the corner of Independence and Park Ave, Empie Dog Park is at  3405 Park Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403 in central Wilmington.  This dog park is across the street from the Independence Mall behind the Firestation.  It has 2 separate fenced off leash areas for Large Dogs and Small Dogs.  There's great shade areas and a fresh water station.  There is a dark sand in this play area that some have said discolored their shoes and their dog.  Most however love this park and especially rave about it's convenient location.

Halyburton Park

Halyburton Park is at 4099 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28412 and although there's no fenced area for off leash, it's certainly worth mentioning for the 1.3 mile shaded nature trail that dog owners and their pets will enjoy.  This park also has a fresh water fountain for dogs.

All of these dog parks require that you scoop up their wastes.

Dog Parks for Large Dogs and Small DogsDogs of different sizes

It's nice to have a variety of options for our pets.  If you have never brought your dog to a dog park be prepared that they might react a little nervous at first and some will try to stick by your side.  Try not to pick them up.  If your dog is aggressive do NOT bring them to a dog park.  It's not fair to the other dog owners and can cause a big problem.  It's important that when you take them for the first time that you watch their behavior and stay close.  

Your Dog will Thank you

Dogs are social animals and getting them around other dogs can be a very happy experience for them.  You might think they will play the entire time but many times my dogs go just to sniff the ground, the trees, and other dogs.  Either way they love to go to the dog parks.

 

Dog Friendly Real Estate AgencyDogs in Office

Regina Drury Real Estate Group is a Dog Friendly company.  In fact over the years, we've sponsored a few Dog Parties at Hugh McRae Park for our Past Clients and Friends.  Here's a link on Facebook to some of the photos from the Dog Party events.  Throwing a dog party was a lot of fun for the dog owners and for their pets.  We hired a dog trainer to come to the event and give us training tips.  We also had fun contests including dress up the dogs and racing back to the team.  Our events were catered and we had hot dogs and cookies for the dogs.  Funny part was most of the hot dogs and dog cookies were eaten by the people!  Even after telling them that those cookies were for their pets, they still tried it any way.  A face painter we hired for the events painted some faces of the kids to look like their fur friends.  It was a great time and we hope to see you at our next Dog Event at the Park.

We've had clients moving to the area that needed a place to board their dogs while they were in town looking at properties.  We can help you with great recommendations of our favorite boarding facilities and of course with recommendations for vets in Wilmington, and great restaurants in Wilmington that you can take your pets with you.  Yes, we even have some bars they can go too.

Dog Friendly Real Estate

Regina Drury petsWe have dogs and previously we had 2 dogs, 3 cats, and 2 ferrets so we understand the importance to pet owners of a pet friendly home.  We know that when you buy a house you prefer a fenced in yard.  If you can't find a fenced in yard we can help you negotiate for a fence to be added or we can give you recommendations for fence installers.

We understand the importance of accessibility to safe neighborhoods, sidewalk communities well lit for evening walks, and the importance of dog friendly home owner associations, do friendly condos and dog friendly townhouses.  

When you are looking for a House to sell or a House to Buy, we hope you will consider the Regina Drury Real Estate Group.

If you are curious how much your house is worth, here's a link to a Free Instant House Value Report: http://nchousevalue.com

Or if you'd like to see how much homes have sold for in your neighborhood, here's a link to all the Under Contract and Sold Homes.

 I'm Regina of the Regina Drury Real Estate Group and it was my pleasure to write this blog for you about the great Dog Parks in Wilmington NC.  I hope you have enjoyed this blog and share it with your pet owner friends. 

-Regina Drury

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